A 65-year-old retired scientist from Pune tragically passed away after experiencing a cardiac arrest while participating in a half-marathon in the Satara district of Maharashtra. This incident was reported by race organizers on Monday.
The event, known as the Satara Hill Half Marathon, is regarded as one of the most challenging races in India due to its steep climbs and sharp declines in the picturesque Western Ghats. On Sunday, approximately 7,700 runners completed the 21.1-kilometer course.
Sanjay Kadam, who was taking part in the marathon for the first time, began to feel unwell while running downhill near the Powerhouse area between 9:30 AM and 10 AM. According to officials, fellow participants, including cardiologist Dr. Riyaz Mujawar from Miraj, quickly provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
An ambulance equipped for emergencies was on standby along the route and rapidly arrived at the scene. Medical personnel continued CPR while transporting Kadam to Pulse Hospital for further treatment.
At the hospital, doctors conducted an angiography and discovered that one of Kadam’s major arteries was completely blocked. An angioplasty procedure was performed, and a stent was placed, which initially stabilized him. However, after about four hours, he suffered another serious cardiac event and unfortunately did not survive.
Kadam, who had a background in science, was formerly associated with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). In preparation for the event, the marathon organizers collected medical information from participants during registration. This year, each registered runner was given a medical identification tag to help during emergencies, and around 80 percent of participants wore these tags during the race.
The event also included a network of medical teams, with bike ambulances and a cardiac ambulance positioned along the course. Officials noted that three to four participants experiencing severe cramps or other medical issues received immediate care during the marathon.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of health and safety in sporting events.
